Knicks expected to trade for point guard who is a 6-foot-7 Olympic star

The New York Knicks could be on the verge of a significant roster move. Despite holding an 11-6 record and benefiting from strong performances by their core quartetJalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, and OG Anunobythe team still faces notable gaps that need urgent attention.

According to The Athletics James L. Edwards III, the Knicks should consider trading for a 6-foot-7 Olympic standout to address their weak second-unit backcourt.

At this point, the frontcourt can only improve if Guerschon Yabusele makes a leap, or the team explores a trade, Edwards explained. But if I were running the Knicks, I would prioritize securing a backup point guard before adding another big.

Edwards stressed that New York requires a ballhandler capable of penetrating the defense, generating scoring opportunities for teammates, and providing reliable on-ball defense. Any realistic trade package would likely involve Yabusele, Miles McBride, some younger assets, draft picks, or a combination of these.

Yabusele, who shone for France at the 2024 Olympics, has yet to meet expectations in New York. After revitalizing his NBA career with the Philadelphia 76ers last seasonaveraging 11 points and 5.6 rebounds while shooting 50.1% from the field and 38% from threehe has struggled to find playing time in the Knicks rotation under coach Mike Brown.

Meanwhile, the Knicks current backup point guard, Tyler Kolek, has not delivered the expected impact. The Marquette alum averages just 3.1 points and 1.7 assists per game, shooting 45.7% from the floor and 29.4% from beyond the arc, leaving Brunson without a dependable relief option.

If New York is committed to providing Brunson with sufficient support and another franchise is willing to acquire Yabusele, a trade for a competent second-unit point guard could be in the cards.

Analysis: Knicks' Potential Roster Move – A Key to Strengthening the Second Unit

The New York Knicks, with an 11-6 record, have proven their ability to compete at a high level, largely due to the stellar performances of their core players: Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, and OG Anunoby. However, as the team moves forward, it is clear that there are gaps in their roster that need urgent attention. The most pressing issue? The backup point guard position.

Despite having a solid frontcourt, the Knicks' lack of a reliable second-unit ballhandler is becoming increasingly evident. James L. Edwards III of The Athletic suggested that New York could look to trade for a 6-foot-7 Olympic standout to fill this role, adding much-needed depth to the backcourt. The importance of securing a backup point guard cannot be overstated, as this player must not only relieve Brunson but also provide additional scoring and defensive contributions when needed.

The Knicks' current backup point guard, Tyler Kolek, has struggled to make an impact, with averages of just 3.1 points and 1.7 assists per game. This lack of production has left Brunson with little support, forcing him to shoulder a heavy load throughout the season. Trading for a competent backup point guard would alleviate some of that pressure, allowing Brunson to maintain his high level of play without the risk of burnout.

In terms of potential trade packages, the Knicks could explore deals involving Guerschon Yabusele, Miles McBride, and a combination of younger assets or draft picks. Yabusele, who showed promise at the 2024 Olympics, has struggled to find consistent playing time with the Knicks, making him a likely trade candidate. A move for a capable backup point guard would be a wise decision to address this weakness in their roster and strengthen their title aspirations.

Sources:

• Knicks predicted to make point guard trade involving 6-foot-7 Olympic star